The political parties of China and Syria should step up exchanges and cement cooperation to maintain the progressive nature of their 50-year history of bilateral ties, said a senior Chinese official here Friday.

Wang Jiarui, head of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), was speaking at a meeting with a delegation of the Arab Baath Socialist Party of Syria led by Malek Mohammed Ali, a member of central committee of the Syrian Baath party.

The friendly communication between the CPC and the Arab Baath Socialist Party had served as an important bridge to enhance mutual understanding and trust between China and Syria as well as the two peoples, Wang said.

The friendship between the parties of Syria and China reflected the friendly exchanges of the two countries, Ali said.

The Baath Party would continue its efforts to promote bilateral ties between the two countries and the two parties.

Ali said he appreciated China's efforts to promote peaceful development in the Middle East, and said Syria would adhere to the one-China policy.

Source: Xinhua